By Zipporah Steve,
Local Community football clubs across Kenya are beginning to feel the impact of renewed investment in grassroots sports after betPawa rolled out a nationwide equipment support programme targeting local teams struggling with limited resources.
The betting firm has invested more than KSh 6.7 million in the initiative, which has benefited 25 teams and 575 players drawn from different regions of the country.
Speaking during the rollout, betPawa Africa Head of Local Marketing and CSR Borah Ndanyungu said the company wanted to support the foundation of football development by investing directly in community teams.
“Many talented players begin their journey in local neighbourhood clubs, yet these are the same teams that face the biggest financial challenges. We saw the need to support them in a practical way that improves both training and competition,” said Ndanyungu.
For many of the clubs, the support goes beyond new jerseys and footballs. It represents recognition for teams that have spent years surviving on passion, volunteer support and small community contributions.
The programme includes full playing kits for all players, 100 match balls, 575 training bibs and 75 pairs of goalkeeper gloves aimed at improving training standards and match preparedness.
Teams that received the support include Kibagare Girls FC, Masimba Queens, Shimanzi FC, Kangeta Youth FC, Panga FC, UNESCO FC, Falcon Queens, Black Stallion FC and Kisii Wazee FC among others.
betPawa Country Manager Mogere Crispus said community football continues to play an important role in shaping young talent and creating opportunities for youth.
“When you support grassroots football, you are supporting dreams, discipline and community growth. These clubs are important because they keep many young people engaged in positive activities while also nurturing future stars,” he pointed out.
The initiative has also placed strong focus on women’s football, with several girls’ and women’s teams included in the beneficiaries.
Head of Responsible Gaming at betPawa, Olabimpe Akinoba, said empowering young players through sports can have a lasting social impact.
“Football creates confidence and opens doors for many young people. Supporting both male and female teams is part of ensuring that no talent is left behind because of lack of opportunity,” she said.
At the grassroots level, many clubs operate without stable sponsorship and often struggle to buy even basic training equipment.
HCE FC Chairman Omondi Hassan Gor said the support would help reduce some of the financial pressure facing local teams.
“There are times players train without enough balls or proper kits because resources are limited. Receiving this support motivates both players and coaches to push harder,” Omondi stated.
Jacok Githinji, who coordinates Livewire FC, Panga FC, UNESCO FC and Black Stallion FC, noted that organised training becomes easier when teams have proper equipment.
“Simple things like bibs, balls and goalkeeper gloves improve the quality of sessions. Players also gain confidence when they look and feel prepared,” he highlighted.
For women’s teams, the support has been welcomed as a sign that the women’s game is slowly receiving more attention. Kibagare Girls FC Team Manager Hotia Karanja said the investment would encourage more girls to remain active in football.
“Girl’s football still faces many obstacles, especially at the local level. Support like this helps players feel appreciated and gives them morale to continue working hard,” she said.
Sports analysts have continued to call for stronger investment in grassroots football, arguing that many talented players fail to reach higher levels because of poor structures and lack of support at the early stages.
With the latest programme, community clubs now hope the improved training conditions will help players sharpen their skills and compete more effectively in regional competitions.